This is Jones first new album in almost 20 years. The choice of musicians and material suggests that she is trying to re-connect with her New Wave period circa ‘Nightclubbing’. It works, in parts.

Jones re-invented herself a few times from 70’s Disco queen to icy New Wave icon and mainstream pop diva. ‘Hurricane’, Jones first new material in almost 20 years makes a concious nod to the cool, detached New Wave classics ‘Warm Leatherette’ (1980) and ‘Nightclubbing’ (1981).

All the key musicians that shaped her sound back in 80/81 are back on board: Reggae’s top rhythm section Sly Dunbar on drums and Robbie Shakespeare on bass, Funk keyboarder par excellence Wally Badarou and guiarist Mikey Chung.

As you would expect with such an all-star cast, ‘Hurricane’ has a rich, creamy sound. Listening to the rhythm section is the aural equivalent of slicing a warm knife through a pound bar of butter. Guitars and keys add a frosted edge and Jones largely spoken vocals add an air of detached coolness.

After she broke with the Disco scene, Jones groomed her own timeless take on the then fashionable Reggae music in the early 80’s. On ‘Hurricane’, Jones and her musicians pick up where ‘Nightclubbing’ ended. Thankfully, both the band and their Diva show an open mind, taking in newer influences such as elements of Dubstep, Balearic Disco and digital Dancehall.

And the catch? Jones has always delivered her most striking performances singing songs penned by and for other artists. She always seemed to make these covers more ‘her own’ than any of the song she actually wrote or co-wrote herself. For some truly great Jones performances check ‘La Vie En Rose’ (Edith Piaf), ‘Use Me’ (Bill Withers), ‘Private Life’ (Chrissie Hynde) and ‘Nightclubbing’ (Iggy Pop).

There are simply not enough strong songs on ‘Hurricane’. Sure, the album sounds great and the general quality of tracks here is high. But where are the songs you’re going to hum in the shower or whistle on the way to work?

As soon as I slap the album on, it sounds instantly familiar. Once it’s over, I can remember bass lines, a shard of guitar here and a percussion pattern there, but I couldn’t hum you one chorus.

Take the first single, ‘Corporate Cannibal’, probably the one song on the album that’s closest to contemporary R&B styles. Jones tries to make it her own, but I just don’t think this is her kind of material. Nobody else could get away with these vocals, though.

Watch The Video For Corporate Cannibal

‘Well Well Well’ is Jones doing this polished Reggae groove that nobody else ever nailed down quite like her. On ‘Love You To Life’ there’s more of the same but with the addition of a Trancey chorus.

‘Sunset Sunrise’ is a Balearic Disco classic in the making. The Glockenspiel and deep, spoken word vocals make this a perfect sunset/sunrise tune with a definite Ibiza touch.

‘I’m Crying Mother’s Tears’ is a light-handed ballad with a touch of Jazz fusion, think Sade here. ‘This Is’ creates a stark, almost menacing atmosphere with its ominoius spoken word vocals and sub-Dancehall beats.

‘William’s Bones’ and ‘The Devil In Me’ wouldn’t be out of place on a discofied movie soundtrack.

‘Hurricane’ is an album that works best in its entirety. I’m curious now if it will stand the test of time. After all, ‘Nightclubbing’ lasted months and months on home HiFis and club turntables because you just got hooked on one song and then moved on to the next - From ‘I’ve Seen That Face Before’ to ‘Pull Up To The Bumper’ to ‘Use Me’ to…

’nuff said. Sit back, relax, pour yourself a drink and listen to ‘Hurricane’ on Jones’ MySpace page.

We say:

US Readers - Buy Grace Jones New Album On CD Here!

UK And Ireland Readers - Buy ‘Hurricane’ On CD And Vinyl Here!

MP3 download links to follow!